Hoy's Solubility Parameters Research Articles

Electrical properties of resin monomers used in restorative dentistry

ObjectivesThe application of an electric field has been shown to positively influence the impregnation of the resin monomers currently used in dentin bonding systems during hybrid layer formation. This study presents an experimental characterization of the electrical properties of these monomers with the aim of both correlating them to their chemical structures and seeking an insight into the mechanisms of the monomer migration under an applied electric field. MethodsSome common monomers examined were TEGDMA (triethyleneglycoldimethacrylate), HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), UDMA (urethane dimethacrylate), 2-MP (bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate, TCDM di(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) ester of 5-(2,5-dioxotetrahydrofurfuryl)-3-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride) and Bis-GMA [2,2-bis(4-2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropoxyphenyl)propane]. A customized cell produced for the measurement of the electrical properties of monomers was manufactured and electrical conductivity and permittivity of resin monomers were measured. ResultsThe permittivity of the tested monomers is largely affected by electrical frequency. The large values of permittivity and dielectric losses observed as frequency decreased, indicate a dominant effect of ionic polarization, particularly evident in materials showing the highest conductivity. Permittivity and conductivity of the tested monomers showed a similar behavior, i.e. materials with the lowest permittivity also show small values of conductivity and vice versa. SignificanceThe results of the present study revealed a good correlation between electrical properties and Hoy solubility parameters and, in particular, the higher the polar contribution (polar forces plus hydrogen bonding) the higher the permittivity and conductivity. The most relevant outcome of this study is that the electrophoretic mechanism prevails on the electroendoosmotic effect in determining the monomer migration under the application of electric fields.

Diffusion and solubility of commercial poly(methyl methacrylate) denture base material modified with dimethyl itaconate and di‐n‐butyl itaconate during water absorption/desorption cycles

AbstractThis study evaluated the water absorption, solubility, kinetics of water diffusion and residual monomer content of commercial poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) denture base material modified with dimethyl itaconate (DMI) and di‐n‐butyl itaconate (DBI). Water absorption and solubility were measured gravimetrically while the residual monomer content was analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. It was found that the addition of di‐n‐alkyl itaconates significantly decreases the residual methyl methacrylate (MMA) content in the polymerized material. Maximum uptake (M∞) and loss (M′∞), and diffusion coefficients for absorption (Da) and desorption (Dd) of water through all materials were established. M∞ shows a linear decrease with increasing amount of itaconate in the system while Da shows a linear increase with increasing amount of itaconate, both of these effects being more pronounced when DBI is present compared to DMI. M∞ is a linear function of the value of Hoy's solubility parameter. The reduction in residual MMA promoted by addition of a small amount of di‐n‐alkyl itaconates can improve the applicative properties and biocompatibility of the PMMA denture base material. Also, it is shown that modification of the denture base material with di‐n‐alkyl itaconates can enable precise control of water absorption in the system. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

Inhibition of MMPs by alcohols

Objectives While screening the activity of potential inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), due to the limited water solubility of some of the compounds, they had to be solubilized in ethanol. When ethanol solvent controls were run, they were found to partially inhibit MMPs. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the MMP-inhibitory activity of a series of alcohols. Methods The possible inhibitory activity of a series of alcohols was measured against soluble rhMMP-9 and insoluble matrix-bound endogenous MMPs of dentin in completely demineralized dentin. Increasing concentrations (0.17, 0.86, 1.71 and 4.28 mol/L) of a homologous series of alcohols (i.e. methanol, ethanol, propanols, butanols, pentanols, hexanols, the ethanol ester of methacrylic acid, heptanols and octanol) were compared to ethanediol, and propanediol by regression analysis to calculate the molar concentration required to inhibit MMPs by 50% (i.e. the IC 50). Results Using two different MMP models, alcohols were shown to inhibit rhMMP-9 and the endogenous proteases of dentin matrix in a dose-dependent manner. The degree of MMP inhibition by alcohols increased with chain length up to 4 methylene groups. Based on the molar concentration required to inhibit rhMMP-9 fifty percent, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), 3-hexanol, 3-heptanol and 1-octanol gave the strongest inhibition. Significance The results indicate that alcohols with 4 methylene groups inhibit MMPs more effectively than methanol or ethanol. MMP inhibition was inversely related to the Hoy's solubility parameter for hydrogen bonding forces of the alcohols (i.e. to their hydrophilicity).

Effects of adhesive, base and diluent monomers on water sorption and conversion of experimental resins

Objectives To establish the relationship of resin composition and resin hydrophilicity (indicated by solubility parameters and log P) to water sorption (WS), solubility, and degree of double bond conversion (DC) of resin mixtures designed for adhesive restoratives by varying the concentration of pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM) and various co-monomers. Methods Sixteen resin mixtures were prepared with (30–70) mass fraction % PMGDM. At given PMGDM concentrations there were up to five compositions with increasing log P. Polymer disks (13 mm × 0.7 mm) were exposed to 96% relative humidity (RH) to determine water sorption in humid atmosphere (WSH) and subsequently immersed in water for immersion water sorption (WSI) and solubility. DC was assessed by near infrared spectroscopy. Results WSI was somewhat higher than WSH, which ranged from (2.1 to 5.3) mass fraction %. Both data were positively correlated to PMGDM concentrations [Pearson correlation, p < 0.02; R 2 = 0.74, 0.73 (WSI)] and solubility ( R 2 = 0.64), but not to log P. When grouped by structural similarities, i.e., base resins with bisphenol A core (Group B), Group O containing diluent monomers, or Group U containing urethane dimethacrylate, WS within each group was inversely correlated to log P with R 2 = 0.98, 0.81, 0.95, and WS/solubility correlation improved with R 2 = 0.88, 0.92 and 0.75, respectively. Solubility ranging from 0.3% to 2.3% was inversely related to DC ( r = −0.872). Conversion ranging from 41% to 81% was lower for resins with high base monomer concentrations and highest in mixtures with UDMA. Significance Log P was a good predictor of WS after grouping the resins according to functional, compositional and structural similarities. WS and conversion were reasonably well predicted from Hoy's solubility parameters and other physical resin properties.

Recent advances in the theory and mechanism of adhesive resin bonding to dentin: A critical review

Dentin bonding issues involving adhesive resins have attracted considerable research interest in recent years. An important advance due to the ongoing research is the concept of hybridization of the tissue with primer/adhesive systems. Hybridization involves permeation of primer monomer into the tissue substrate. Although the mechanism of adhesive permeation and interaction with tissue may be complex, significant advances have been made. In systems where etching precedes priming and bonding steps, the Hoy's solubility parameter compatibility of the primer formulation with that of demineralized dentin matrix may determine adhesive permeability. Monomer permeation brings the primer atoms in closer contact with the substrate atoms, leading to adhesive interactions through van der Waals, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. In self-etch primer systems, stronger electrostatic interaction between primer monomers and hydroxyapatite has been used to explain the adhesion process. These interactions have been computer-modeled and analyzed. Such interactions and subsequent polymerization of the monomer promote improved bond strength and efficient margin sealing. Incomplete permeation of monomer into the full depth of demineralized region may, however, leave exposed collagen fibrils and cause nanoleakage of water into these regions through a 20-100 nm sized marginal gap, leading to subsequent hydrolytic degradation of these collagen fibrils and the hybrid layer. Microleakage is also a problem in some single step formulations. In this review, we analyze these current theoretical and mechanism-related issues of interest in adhesive resin bonding to dentin, and outline the continuing problems that need to be overcome in the future.

Synthesis and evaluation of modified urethane dimethacrylate resins with reduced water sorption and solubility

Objectives New aliphatic and aromatic urethane dimethacrylate monomers containing pendant phenyl methoxy or ethyl substituents were synthesized in order to reduce the water sorption and solubility of urethane dimethacrylate systems. Selected properties including flexural strength, flexural modulus, water sorption and solubility, and water contact angle were evaluated. Hoy's solubility parameters were also calculated to rank copolymer hydrophilicity. Methods Filled (20%) composite resins were formulated with each of the newly synthesized dimethacrylates as well as the commercially available urethane dimethacrylate monomer, UDMA. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, water sorption and solubility of the urethane composites were evaluated after light-cured specimens were immersed in water for seven days. Water contact angles were measured on the surface of each material. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Ryan–Einot–Gabriel–Welsch multiple range tests ( α = 0.05). Results A significant reduction of nearly 30% and 40% in water uptake was observed with composite polymers containing pendant ethyl and phenyl methoxy groups, respectively, compared to UDMA ( p < 0.05). Urethane copolymers containing pendant ethyl groups also showed a significant reduction in water solubility ( p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between contact angle and water sorption as well as Hoy's δ h for hydrogen bonding forces. Significance The results of this study indicate that the incorporation of pendant hydrophobic substituents within the monomer backbone may be an effective method in reducing the water sorption and water solubility of urethane based dimethacrylate systems. The use of Hoy's solubility parameters to determine the relative hydrophilicity of a polymer may be limited by its three-dimensional chemical structure.

Chlorhexidine release and water sorption characteristics of chlorhexidine-incorporated hydrophobic/hydrophilic resins

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate chlorhexidine release from unfilled non-solvated methacrylate-based resins of increasing hydrophilicity and to examine relationships among Hoy's solubility parameters, water sorption, solubility and the rate of chlorhexidine release. Methods Resin discs were prepared from light-cured, experimental resin blends (R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5) containing 0.0, 0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 wt.% chlorhexidine diacetate (CDA). Discs were immersed in distilled water at 37 °C, and mass changes were recorded at different periods. Spectral measurements were made to follow change in optical densities of storage solution to examine chlorhexidine release kinetics. After a 28-day period, water sorption, solubility, and the cumulative chlorhexidine release were obtained. Additionally, antibacterial study was performed by observing the presence of inhibition zone against Streptococcus mutans. Results The most hydrophilic resin (R5) exhibited the highest chlorhexidine release rate. The most hydrophobic resin (R1) exhibited the lowest rate. However, no inhibition zone was produced by any specimens stored in water for 2 weeks. The addition of CDA increased solubility significantly but had no effect on water sorption. Significant positive correlations were seen between water sorption and the cumulative chlorhexidine release. Significance Chlorhexidine release from resins may be related to water-induced swelling, which in turn is enhanced by the hydrophilicity of cured polymer matrix.

Effects of polar solvents and adhesive resin on the denaturation temperatures of demineralised dentine matrices

Objectives To measure the denaturation temperature ( T d) of demineralised dentine matrix as a function of infiltration with water vs. polar solvents vs. adhesive resins. Methods Small discs of normal dentine were completely demineralised in 0.5 M EDTA. Dried demineralised specimens were placed in water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, η-butanol or HEMA. Additional specimens were infiltrated with Prime&Bond NT and polymerised. All specimens sealed in high-pressure pans and scanned using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results Demineralised dentine saturated with water showed a T d of 65.6 °C that increased with saturation by methanol, ethanol, acetone, η-butanol or HEMA to 148.5 °C. These increases in T d were inversely related to the molar concentration of the solvents and to their Hoy's solubility parameter for hydrogen bonding ( δ h, p < 0.01), as well as directly related to the cube root of their molecular weights ( p < 0.001). The presence of adhesive resins also increased the T d of demineralised matrices to even higher values depending if the resin bonded dentine was measured after 24 h of water storage (166.8 °C) or dry (172.7 °C) storage. Conclusions Solvents and monomers with low δ h values (i.e., 100% HEMA) increase the T d of demineralised dentine above that produced by solvents with higher δ h values such as methanol and water.

Effect of wet vs. dry testing on the mechanical properties of hydrophilic self‐etching primer polymers

Self-etching primers and adhesives contain very hydrophilic methacrylate monomers that result in high water sorptions by their polymers. Water sorption plasticizes the polymers and lowers their mechanical properties. The purpose of this work was to rank the hydrophilicity of a series of acidic primers by their Hoy's solubility parameters (delta) to determine if there was a significant relationship between the delta of polymers and their mechanical properties. A series of six acidic primer blends containing a fixed concentration of phenyl-P but variable amounts of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2,2 bi[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy)propane (BisGMA), and triethylene-glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was formulated and their Hoy's solubility parameters calculated. The polymers were cast into small 'I' beams and light-cured. The modulus of elasticity (E) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) were measured in dry polymers and after immersion in water for 24 h. The results showed significant correlations between E and UTS under dry or wet conditions. Both E and UTS fell significantly when the specimens were immersed in water. After water immersion, the E and UTS showed significant correlations with Hoy's delta(p) values. Both E and UTS correlated significantly with the BisGMA concentration of the polymers, either wet or dry. The percentage changes in E or UTS were significantly correlated with the water sorption of the polymers.

Use of Hoy's solubility parameters to predict water sorption/solubility of experimental primers and adhesives

Self-etching primers and adhesives contain very hydrophilic acidic monomers that result in high water sorption/solubilities of their polymers. However, the chemical composition of these products varies widely. The purpose of this work was to vary the chemical composition of experimental self-etching primers and adhesives to determine if the water sorption/solubility of the polymers were affected in a predictable manner. The Hoy's solubility parameters of these mixtures were calculated to permit ranking of the degree of hydrophilicity of the polymers. Water sorption/solubility was measured according to ISO 4049. The results showed highly significant (R(2) = 0.86, P < 0.001) correlations between water sorption and Hoy's solubility parameter for polar forces (delta(p)) of the polymers. Similar correlations were obtained between polymer solubility and delta(p). When these results were compared with previously published results obtained with more hydrophobic resins, excellent correlations were obtained, indicating that Hoy's delta(p) values may be used to predict the water sorption behavior of methylmethacrylate polymers.

Net expansion of dried demineralized dentin matrix produced by monomer/alcohol saturation and solvent evaporation

The purpose of this work was to determine if nonaqueous methacrylate monomer/alcohol mixtures could expand dried collapsed demineralized dentin matrix. Thin disks (ca. 200 microm) of human dentin were demineralized and placed in wells beneath contact probes of linear variable differential transformers. The probes were placed on water-saturated expanded matrices to record the shrinkage associated with drying. Monomer mixtures containing hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3 methacryloyloxy)propoxyphenyl] propane, or triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate were mixed with methanol or ethanol at alcohol/monomer mass fraction % of 90/10, 70/30, 50/50, or 30/70. They were randomly applied to the dried matrices to determine the rate and magnitude of expansion; then shrinkage was recorded during evaporation of the alcohols. The results indicated that matrix expansion was positively correlated with the Hoy's solubility parameters for hydrogen bonding forces (delta(h)) of the monomer/solvent mixtures (p < 0.001). Expansions were more rapid with methanol-containing than with ethanol-containing monomer mixtures. For the test solutions, triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate-containing mixtures produced the slowest rate of matrix expansion and hydroxyethyl methacrylate-containing mixtures the most rapid expansion. When the solvents were evaporated, the matrix shrank in proportion to the solvent content and the delta(h) of the monomer-solvent mixtures. The results indicate that expansion of dried, collapsed dentin matrices requires that the delta(h) of the mixtures be larger than 17 (J/cm(3))(1/2). The greater the delta(h) of the monomer solutions, the greater the rate and extent of expansion.

Evaluation of the effect of water-uptake on the impedance of dental resins

Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) offers a quantitative method of measuring the stability of resin films in aqueous solution over time. Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure the EIS of five experimental dental adhesive films (ca. 17 μm thick) of increasing hydrophilicity (ranked by their Hoy's solubility parameters), and how much these values change over 3 weeks in aqueous buffer. Methods The resin films were placed in a U-shaped chamber and a pair of Ag–AgCl electrodes was used for EIS. The EIS results were confirmed by immersing the films in 50% AgNO 3 for 24 h to trace the distribution of any water absorption into the resins by TEM observations. Results The resistance ( R r) of the resins 1–4 films increased most during the first day, and varied from 1×10 11 ohm for resin 1, to 40 Ω for resin 5 at day 1. The day 1 R r values of resins 1–4 were inversely proportional to their Hoy's solubility parameter for hydrogen bonding forces. Electrical impedance values of resins 1–3 and 5 varied widely but were relatively constant over time, while those of resin 4 decreased more than 99% from day 1 to 21 ( p < 0.05 ). Capacitance ( C r) of films of resins 1–4 all increased over the first day and then were relatively unchanged over the 20 days (except for resin 4 that continued to increase) and were between 0.01 and 1 nF. Silver uptake by TEM revealed the development of water-filled branching structures that formed in resins 4 and 5 over time.

Water sorption/solubility of dental adhesive resins

Objectives This study evaluated the water sorption, solubility and kinetics of water diffusion in commercial and experimental resins that are formulated to be used as dentin and enamel bonding agents. Methods Four commercial adhesives were selected along with their solvent–monomer combination: the bonding resins were of Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (MP) and Clearfil SE Bond (SE) systems, and the “one-bottle” systems, Adper Single Bond (SB) and Excite (EX). Five experimental methacrylate-based resins of known hydrophilicities (R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5) were used as reference materials. Specimen disks were prepared by dispensing the uncured resin into a mould (5.8 mm × 0.8 mm). After desiccation, the cured specimens were weighed and then stored in distilled water for evaluation of the water diffusion kinetics over a 28-day period. Results Resin composition and hydrophilicity (ranked by their Hoy's solubility parameters) influenced water sorption, solubility and water diffusion in both commercial and experimental dental resins. The most hydrophilic experimental resin, R5, showed the highest water sorption, solubility and water diffusion coefficient. Among the commercial adhesives, the solvated systems, SB and EX, showed water sorption, solubility and water diffusion coefficients significantly greater than those observed for the non-solvated systems, MP and SE ( p < 0.05). In general, the extent and rate of water sorption increased with the hydrophilicity of the resin blends. Significance The extensive amount of water sorption in the current hydrophilic dental resins is a cause of concern. This may affect the mechanical stability of these resins and favor the rapid and catastrophic degradation of resin–dentin bonds.

The effect of ethylene glycol analogs on mechanical properties of moist demineralized dentin matrix

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of ethylene glycol analogs on modulus of elasticity and ultimate tensile strength of moist, demineralized dentin matrix. Methods: Dentin disks 0.5 mrn thick were prepared from mid-coronal dentin of extracted. unerupted, human third molars. 'I' beam and hour-glass shaped specimens were prepared from the disks, the ends protected with nail varnish and the central regions completely demineralized in 0.5M EDTA for 5 days. Ultimate tensile stress (UTS) and low strain modulus of elasticity (E) were determined with specimens immersed for 60 min in distilled water , ethylene glycol , 2-methoxyethanol , and 1,2-dimethoxyethane prior to testing in those same media. Modulus of elasticity was measured on the same specimens in a repeated measures experimental design. The results were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA on ranks, followed by Dunn's test at . Regression analysis examined the relationship between UTS or E and hoy's solubility parameter for hydrogen bonding of each solvent. Results: The UTS of demineralized dentin in water, ethylene glycol, 2-methoxyethanol, and 1,2-dimethoxyethane was 24 (3), 30 (5), 37 (6), and 45 (6) MPa, (SD) N = 10. Low strain E for the same media were 16 (13), 23 (14), 52 (24), and 62 (22) MPa. Regression analysis of UTS vs revealed a significant $(p\;. Solvents with low values may permit new interpeptide H-bonding in collagen that increases its tensile properties. Solvents with high values prevent the development of these new interpeptide H-bonds.

Effect of resin hydrophilicity and temperature on water sorption of dental adhesive resins

This study examined the effects of copolymer hydrophilicity and temperature on water sorption and solubility characteristics of five copolymer blends of increasing degree of hydrophilicity using gravimetric measurements. Six resin disks (15 mm in diameter×1 mm in thickness) were prepared from each copolymer blend and were stored in deionised water at 23, 37 and 55 °C. Water sorption and solubility of the resin disks were measured before and after water immersion and desiccation. Multiple regression analysis of water sorption was performed on two independent variables, copolymer hydrophilicity and temperature. Maximum water sorption increased significantly with Hoy's total cohesive energy density ( δ t ), Hoy's solubility parameter for polar forces ( δ p ) and hydrogen bonding ( δ h ), but was not influenced by temperature. However, a significant positive relationship was observed between diffusion coefficients (obtained using Fick's law of diffusion) and temperature. The water absorption activation energy was 10 kJ/mol for the most hydrophilic copolymer blend R5 and 35–51 kJ/mol for copolymer blends R1–R4. The positive relationship between maximum water uptake and copolymer hydrophilicity suggests that water molecules diffuse through the polymer matrices by binding successively to the polar sites via hydrogen bonding. Such water sorption may determine the durability of resin–dentine bonds.

Effect of resin hydrophilicity on water‐vapour permeability of dental adhesive films

This study examined the water-vapour permeability of thin polymerized resin films fabricated from five co-monomer blends of increasing degrees of hydrophilicity, as measured by their Hoy's solubility parameters. Neat resin films were prepared from five experimental light-curable resins (n = 10). Each film was mounted in a Fisher permeability cup with 8 g of water placed inside the cup. The experiments were conducted in a modified twin-outlet desiccator connected to a vacuum pump in one outlet to permit a continuous airflow to encourage water evaporation. Weight losses by water evaporation were measured at 3, 6, 9, 24, 30, and 48 h by using an analytical balance. Additional resin films were examined by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after immersion in ammoniacal silver nitrate. A significant correlation was observed between the cumulative water loss at 48 h and the Hoy's total cohesive energy density (delta(t)). Transmission electron microscopy revealed silver-filled channels along film peripheries and silver grains of decreasing dimensions toward the film centres in co-monomer blends 3, 4, and 5 of increasing hydrophilicity. Hydrophilic dentin adhesives polymerized in thin films are prone to water loss by evaporation. This probably accounts for the water droplets seen on the surface of vital-bonded dentin after the application of simplified dentin adhesives.

Solvent and water retention in dental adhesive blends after evaporation

This study examined the extent of organic solvent and water retention in comonomer blends with different hydrophilicity (Hoy's solubility parameter for hydrogen bonding, δ h ) after solvent evaporation, and the extent of tracer penetration in polymerised films prepared from these resins. For each comonomer blend, adhesive/solvent mixtures were prepared by addition of (1) 50 wt% acetone, (2) 50 wt% ethanol, (3) 30 wt% acetone and 20 wt% water and (4) 30 wt% ethanol and 20 wt% water. The mixtures were placed in glass wells and evaporated for 30–60 s for acetone-based resins, and 60–120 s for ethanol-based resins. The weight of the comonomer mixtures was measured before and after solvent evaporation. Resin films were prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after immersion in ammonical silver nitrate. The percentages of solvent and water retained in the comonomer mixtures, and between the acetone and ethanol groups were measured gravimetrically and were statistically compared. In comonomer-organic solvent mixtures, the percentage of solvent retained in acetone and ethanol-based mixtures increased significantly with hydrophilicity of the comonomer blends ( P < 0.05 ). In resin-organic solvent–water mixtures, significantly more solvent and water were retained in the ethanol-based mixtures ( P < 0.0001 ), when compared to acetone-based mixtures after 60 s of air-drying. TEM revealed residual water being trapped as droplets in resin films containing acetone and water. Water-filled channels were seen along the film periphery of all groups and throughout the entire resin films containing ethanol and water. The addition of water to comonomer-ethanol mixtures results in increased retention of both ethanol and water because both solvents can hydrogen bond to the monomers.

Effects of resin hydrophilicity on water sorption and changes in modulus of elasticity

As acidic monomers of self-etching adhesives are incorporated into dental adhesives at high concentrations, the adhesive becomes more hydrophilic. Water sorption by polymers causes plasticization and lowers mechanical properties. The purpose of this study was to compare the water sorption and modulus of elasticity ( E) of five experimental neat resins (EX) of increasing hydrophilicity, as ranked by their Hoy's solubility parameters and five commercial resins. Methods After measuring the initial modulus of all resin disks by biaxial flexure, half the specimens were stored in hexadecane and the rest were stored in water. Repeated measurements of stiffness were made for 3 days. Water sorption and solubility measurements were made in a parallel experiment. Results None of the specimens stored in oil showed any significant decrease in modulus. All resins stored in water exhibited a time-dependent decrease in modulus that was proportional to their degree of water sorption. Water sorption of EX was proportional to Hoy's solubility parameter for polar forces ( δ p ) with increasing polarity resulting in higher sorption. The least hydrophilic resin absorbed 0.55 wt% water and showed a 15% decrease in modulus after 3 days. The most hydrophilic experimental resin absorbed 12.8 wt% water and showed a 73% modulus decrease during the same period. The commercial resins absorbed between 5% and 12% water that was associated with a 19–42% reduction in modulus over 3 days.